Kremlin talking points
What are the positions of Ukraine and Russia regarding peace negotiations for the Ukraine conflict?
President Zelensky firmly insists that Ukraine must be involved in any peace negotiations, stating he won't accept outcomes without Kyiv's participation. This position emphasizes Ukraine's determination to have a voice in decisions affecting its security and future. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicates that President Putin has consistently shown willingness for peace talks. However, Russia maintains that achieving a 'comprehensive, long term and viable resolution' to the Ukraine conflict requires fully addressing broader European security concerns, suggesting Putin seeks concessions beyond just Ukraine-specific issues.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)
WION
00:14 - 00:46
What are Russia's territorial demands from Ukraine in the ongoing conflict?
Russia demands Ukraine withdraw its troops from territories annexed in September 2022, including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. During a UN Security Council meeting, Russia's UN representative Vasily Nebenzia declared Ukraine has "irrevocably lost" these regions and should cede approximately 30% of these territories, including areas Russia doesn't currently occupy. Beyond territorial concessions, the Kremlin has expanded its demands to include additional territory in eastern and southern Ukraine. Russia also insists Ukraine must become a demilitarized, neutral state, effectively requiring Ukraine to disband its military forces in the future.
Watch clip answer (00:47m)WION
02:11 - 02:58
How has the Kremlin responded to Trump's recent comments on Ukraine?
The Kremlin has enthusiastically embraced Trump's position on Ukraine, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praising Trump as 'the only Western leader who has publicly said that one of the root causes of the Ukrainian situation was the impudent line to draw Ukraine into NATO.' McFaul describes this reaction as 'beyond their wildest dreams.' Russia sees Trump's statements as signaling alignment with their position, particularly regarding territorial demands and Ukraine's neutrality. Rather than pressuring Russia for negotiations, Trump's approach appears to be putting demands on Ukraine while conceding key Russian objectives before negotiations even begin.
Watch clip answer (02:08m)
MSNBC
08:03 - 10:12
What did Trump say about Ukraine's role in the conflict with Russia?
For the first time since Russia's invasion began nearly three years ago, Donald Trump explicitly stated that Ukraine was at fault for starting the war. This unprecedented claim echoes what Republican lawmakers have described as Russian propaganda - the notion that Russia's invasion was somehow justified due to Ukraine's interest in joining NATO. Previously, such rhetoric was limited to fringe far-right elements in the United States, with figures like Tulsi Gabbard making similar claims that have been widely condemned as echoing Russian propaganda points.
Watch clip answer (00:59m)
MSNBC
00:17 - 01:17
How has President Trump's recent commentary changed regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
After nearly three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, President Trump has made a significant shift in his rhetoric. For the first time, Trump explicitly stated that Ukraine was at fault for starting the war - a claim that aligns with what Vaughn Hilliard describes as Russian propaganda previously echoed by fringe far-right figures and individuals like Tulsi Gabbard. This represents a remarkable evolution in Trump's position on the conflict. The statement contradicts the widely accepted understanding that Russia initiated the war by sending missiles into Ukraine and advancing military personnel to take Ukrainian land. This position has raised serious concerns about U.S. credibility in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
Watch clip answer (00:59m)
MSNBC
00:17 - 01:17
What controversial claim did Donald Trump make about the war in Ukraine?
Donald Trump falsely claimed that Ukraine and Ukrainians started the war, echoing Russian talking points. This controversial statement came shortly after a US delegation met with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia to discuss plans to end the conflict, notably without any Ukrainian representatives present. Trump's repetition of Russian narratives about Ukraine has raised serious concerns as it contradicts the established fact that Russia invaded Ukraine. His comments are particularly significant given the ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the war, where Ukraine—the country that was invaded—was excluded from crucial negotiations about its own future.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)
CNN
00:30 - 00:58